Tire recapping apparatus



July 5, 1949.

` .1. w. NAPIER "TIRE RECAPP'ING APPARATUS s shams-sheet;

Original Filed April 15, 1945 Y, A//k/ ll tttttt r:

July 5, 1949'. w. NAP-IER A l 2,475,579

l TIRE RECAPPING APPARATUS originalFiled April .15, 1945 v 3- Sheets-Sheet 2 J. w. NAPIER TIRE RECAPPING APPARATUS original Filed April 15, 1945 July 5, 1949.

' 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 wlil I GMM/hwg,

Patented July 5, 1949 f5 TAT ES PATENT QiFiFlCE TIRE `RECAPPING APPARATUS James W. Napier, Macon, Ga., assignorto Clement O. Dennis, Macon, ,(Sra.

Continuation of application Serial No. 586,684,

April 15, 1945.

11947.Se1ial No. `789,989

15 Claims.

simplicity of, constrnctionwhich by` virtue ofthe ,5 Vnovel construction'iandarrangement of parts ,will

y do t a superiorl job, with c onservaton of heat and wmaterials, andina, much, more facile and `eilicient .manner ,thanthat which `c liaraicterl zes other recappne apparatus- Among ,the morespeciiidobjects of the invention `is to provide ra -ontinuous I` annular mold matrix having alternating tread forming ridges landigroovea theldiameter `of the hole circumferentially bounded by `thetops, of therdges being smaller'` thanthat of ,the casing, plusy the.` attached tread strip which is to be inserted into said hole, .but said holebeinasuicerltl-y lareeto encom- V,pass the casing :and tread strip Without ,00inpressing the ,casingwiien :the thickness ,of the tread strinhas been `reduced bytthe Ailow of part oitssubstance into, said grooves, viilling the same, together with complementaipmmeans for Aspreadwing the casing axially, thereby `reducing its ,diameter tol the .extent that it, includingthe at- 1 tached treadf strip, c :an` be ireelyinserted into the mold matrix miento-molding, ,or withdrawn; from the mold matrix (after molding.

4Another object tof; the inventionl is to prov-ide a casing spreading-unit comprisingawpainofbead I*engaging lrims with means `for moving them l axially towerdtorfaway fromu one another, said rims being ofgsuchwidth asito `abut `endwiseWllen the casing is .-,inpmOld-,ng position and to serve as the in-ner 4c s r;1iir,1 -i Agmeans for the inflated tube, `thusiavoidingfthemeed-for the usual abutment ring.

`A further, olojectzpf theinvention is toprovide an outer `.annular1nfiatrix, liftable 1 with respect` to `its support, `on,the-onefhand,.relative to the cas- ,1 .ing forthe purposei-.of` bringingy itsmedian diametricalplane into, the median` diametrical plane of the expanded; casingwand ion the other hand being lifted by the-nished tire when the` latter is expanded for removalfso las to keepthesaid v.

median 4d iametricaLplanes coincident until the diameter ofg the` casingi has been diminished y 4to thepointpat .Whichihe matrix `drops 'fromihe casing.

A further objectief, the, invention is` to` provide y Aseal whicndenes thelimit otthevmoldingychamn.55

`This application ,December 5,

ber, preventszexudationof the fluent tread inaterialk under `pressure onto the sidewall of ,the

tire, formsaneat .and `clean line of `dem arcaton between the ,recap land side Walls,v ,and maintains uniform molding ressureithrollghout themasslof material infthe molding chamber.

still another object f i the invention y is to vprnvide a meldfmeirix epable Of taking e larger Iwidth of casing,. by thesnbstitution fora na row l. side fiange bya wider sideflange censtitutinglla lateral extension of thetread` face ofthe mold.

Another objectoof the `:invention is to progilde an electrically heatedqannuiarmold matrix con- `str uctedto confine `the heatconduotion to ytiziat ,partei the matrixtwhich contacts the `c asing,`,ar 1 nd in-which uniform `oui-4irigT teinperature"istherninstatically` maintained.

A further object .ofithe invention is. to provide `isl at a low leveleconducive to keasy insertionand `which ,l necessarily `projects l above the matrix, but

,which isremovabie to avoidthenecessity ofliiting the casing: Eahove the l,center post.

Other `objects ofthe inventionwill appear as the .following description of a .preferred and practical` embodimentfthereof proceeds.

`This ,application wisa continuation of applicant-s` .pending application forpatent Seix No. 586,684, fled April 5, 1945, f orgTire-reeappingapparatu now. abandoned.

In the drawings which accompany4 and 4forniti,

l part .of the followingspeci-fication:

Figurel isma side,elevation of therecapping apparatus embodying the v,principles of the invention;

V.Figure A2 is a t vertical diametrical` section,4 the 4,center post, ,otherparts being omitted;

`:Figure :6 `isa side, elevation, partly in` section, of `the outer moldmernber;

{Figure-7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View throughraportion ,ofi the ,outer mold matrix with a substituted closing angeior makingma kwider tread;

Figure ,.8 is aragmentary perspective View :Figure -9 is,v a perspectivehview Aofthe separator ggiteierringlifnow inf-,detailmtoithe severalfngures,

, 3 there is a base I, adapted to rest upon the floor, having a lixed spider consisting of the arms 2, which carry an annular platform 3, freely supporting the outer mold matrix 4, and upon which the casing 5 rests, thereby supporting the inner removable rim unit 6.

The outer mold matrix 4 consists of an undivided metallic heat transmitting mold member 1, having an inner tread face with projecting ridges 8. The outer face of the mold member 1 is provided with an electric heating element 9, in close adjacency thereto, but insulated therefrom by being mounted on insulating knobs Iii, fixed to the mold member and arranged to distribute the heating element uniformly over the surface of the mold member.

lposts III' and I5, which extend to the exterior of the lower ring I2, and are connected to flexible wires which lead to a thermostatically controlled switch, not shown. The thermostat which controls the switch maybe of the bulb type enclosing an expansible fluid, the bulb I6 being shown extending through the ring I2 into the boxing Ain close adjacency to the mold member 1, so that it responds to the temperature of said mold member, thus keeping the temperature uniform.

The inner diameters of the rings I I and I2 are sulciently large to permit the annular platform 3 to seat within the ring I2 directly against the mold member 1, and to permit a clamping ring I1 also to seat directly upon the mold member 1 so that the mold member is pressed between the platform 3 and the clamping ring I1.

The mold member 1 has an integral lower flange I8 extending inwardly beyond the peaks of the ridges 8, while the mold member is provided with a removable upper flange I9 freely seated in a peripheral rabbet in said mold member. The flanges I8 and I9 extend inwardly for a distance, which defines the inner limit of the -molding chamber.

The inner diameter ofv the mold matrix measured between the tops of the tread ridges is less than the diameter of the casing with the uncured tread strip attached, so as to avoid stretching of the casing in the curing operation to make the tread strip fill the mold. However, the mold matrix issufliciently large to encompass the casing with tread strip attached, without compressing the casing, when the thickness of Ythe tread strip has been reduced by the flow of part of the substance thereof into the grooves between the ridges, to I-lll the same, so that in the iinished uninflated tire the casing is not cir-cumferentially constricted by the tread strip, while the latter will not be under tension when the tire is inflated.

The fact that the casing with attached tread strip is larger than the hole in the mold matrix' "into which it must be inserted, measured between the tops of the ridges, creates the problem of insertion. This is solved in the present invention by the provision `of means for drawing the beads on opposite sides of lthe casing apart in an axial The heating element is enclosed in an annular boxing, consistl 4 direction, correspondingly reducing the tread diameter of the casing until it will pass within the circular opening of the mold member.

`Said means comprises a pair of rims 23 and 2l and an externally threadedI sleeve 22, with which said rims cooperate. Each rim has a bead spreading flange 23 and beam restraining flange 24. The lower rim 20 has a hub 25, with an axial bore 26, having an end thrust bearing 21 in a recess about the inner end of said bore.

The upper rim ZI has a hub 28, with internally threaded axial bore 29 adapted to screw upon the sleeve 22. The hubs of both arms are connected to the peripheral bores by spider arms 30, similarly angularly displaced in both rims. The spider arms of the upper rim have smooth walled apertures 3|, which can be aligned with threaded walled apertures 32 in the arms of the lower rim, and the two rims locked together by the wing head bolts 33.

The bead spreading anges 23 are each slightly larger in diameter than the opening in the casing surrounded by the bead, while the bead restraining flanges 24 may be of materially larger diameter. When the two rims are locked together by the bolts 33, in the position shown in Figure 2, the bead spreading flanges are in contact and the spacing between the bead restraining nanges is substantially that between the flanges of the vehicle wheel which the casing fits.

Each of the adjacent flanges 23 has a semicylindrical channel extending radially thereacross, which channels match when the rims are assembled, as in Figure 2, to form a bore 34 for the passage of the air stem 35 of the inflatable tube 36 which applies molding pressure interiorly to the casing.

The sleeve 22 has a reduced lower end which ts into the hub bore 20 of the lower rim, and forms a shoulder which seats on the thrust bearing 21. The upper end of the sleeve 22 has a diametrical passage 31, in which the turning bar 38 may be freely inserted.

The spreading operation is as follows. The easing, with uncured tread stri-p cemented thereto, is placed upon the floor or a suitable table, and the inflatable tube I6 inserted in collapsed condition. Then the rims 20 and 2| are separately applied to opposite sides of the casing, the flanges 23 being inserted in the openings surrounded by the beads, by tilting the rims and forcing the flanges through the 'openings in a diametrical plane. When the rims are then placed parallel, the flanges 23 will not escape from the beads. When the rims are in this position, the lower bead rests upon the lower flange 24, while the upper ange 24 rests against the upper bead, suspending the upper rim, the flange 23 of which may be almost in contact with the adjacent ange 23 of the lower rim. At this time, care should be taken. to turn the lower rim until its half of the bore 34 is in the same angular position as the stem 35 of the inflatable tube 36.

VThe sleeve 22 is then threaded into the hub of the upper rim 2|, and screwed down until the shoulder at its lower endabuts the end thrust bearing 21. Further screwing of the sleeve moves the upper rim in an upward direction, separating the beads. As the beads separate, the diameter of the casing diminishes. A little practice teaches how much separation is required to reduce the diameter of the casing to the proper extentfor insertion. When the casing has been spread, the` turning bar 38 is withdrawn and the 'casingftogether with the rims ammore and sleeve, `ready' #for insertion into the outer mold member f1. It will ;be:noted from Figure 3 that when the casing is` iin spread condition, the side walls divergeinwardly .from the tread face, soth'at if `the-casing were yinserted .in the apparatus while `the mold member 1 is `resting upon the platform .3, the lower -side wall would contact theiplatform, preventing-the tread portion of the casing .from descending fully Iinto the mold member l'L Consequently, means is provided for liftingtthe mold matrix 4 so that `the median diametrical `plane of the :mold member 'I will coincide with the median diametrical plane oi the casing while the latter is `resting on the` platform `3.

`Said means comprises aicollar 33, vertically slidable on a hollow bossA, which forms a part of .the base, `said 4collar having symmetrical spaced outwardly extending arms 4| terminating in ends 42 `which underlie and are `engageable with the mold matrix 4. A rocking lever 43, pivotally supported at an intermediate point 4| on `the base, and pivotally connected at one end to the collar 39, Ahasa foot .treadle d4, at its oppositeend. When the treadle is depressed, the collar lis Ilifted and the arms 4| raise the mold member i until the llower iiange l engages the tread shoulder of the casing, at which point the medial diametrical planes of the moldA matrix andcasing coincide. .Further upward movement of the arms 4| carries ithecasing upward with themoldmatrix, without disturbing their medial vdieanetrically aligned relationship.

The base l is provided with an axial socket 45, having pins 46 projecting Vinto its bore. A removable center post il .extends through the boss D and into the socket 45, having bayonet slots 48, at its lower end, engageable with the pins i6, so as to removably connect the `center post with the base, said center rpost being threaded at its upperyend for the receptionof `a clamping nut 119. The post 4l is not in place when the spread casing is ,placed in the mold.

The clamping nut llt abuts the hollow hub of a clamping member 5|, of which the clamping ring I.`|, previously referred to, is a part. The bore of the hub is largeenough to surround the sleeve 22 over the upper end of which it telescopes when fthe apertureisassembled for molding. The clamping nut IAShas sockets 52, to receive aturning bar.

For inserting the casing, the clamping nut 49 and clamping member 5| are removed. This frees `the removable flange |49 of the outer mold member '1, which is .taken off. The centerpost also is removed. Removal of these parts makes it unnecessary to lift the casing assembly any higher than the top `of the outer mold matrix, to insert or remove it.

'The casing` assemblyis inserted'while themold member is resting on the platform 3, as in Figure `3,`the divergent lower side of the casing resting upon the platform 3. The treadle 4l is then depressed, lifting the outerimold member until the flange I8 engages the casing and lifts it from the platform-3. The mediandiametrical planes of the mold member 'l Vand casing then coincide. While `the matrix and casing are in lifted position, thesleeve 22 `is iunscrewed, permitting the beads ofthe casingto approach and the diameter of the casing to increase until it obtains a frictional hold againstthetread face of the mold member 1. Then .the `treadle is released, permitting the outer mold matrixagain to rest upon the platforms..` Thesleeve 22 is then unscrewed to fully release the beads.`

At this point in .the procedure, the upper rim 2| hangs zirom `the upper bead of the casing, while the lower rim 22 is suspended `from the lower bead. The upper `rim is then turned to bring its half of .the .fbore 34 in registry with the tube stem and the lower half of vsaid bore. T-he wing head bolts 33 :are `then inserted. .Since jthe tube '36 is still deated, there is enough ilexibility in the upper side wall of the casing to permit the upper rim to be pressed down suiiciently for the bolts .33 fto engage the threaded apertures 32 in the lower rim. Then the bolts are tightened, bringing the two rims tightly together. Next, the cornerpost is inserted through the sleeves 22 and turned to interengage the bayonet slots and ,pin 46. The removable rim I9. is then replaced. Now, the clamping member 5| is slipped `over -the end .of the center post oi `the sleeve 22, the clamping ring I'l resting upon `the flange i9. The clamping nut is next applied .to the threaded end of the center post andthe nut is turned to bring the clamping -ring il .into tight engagement with the flange |9. Thus, the mold is closed. The tube 36 is `now iniated to proper pressure, to press the .side walls of the .casing into sealing Contact with the shoulders 53 of the fanges I8 and I3, and to force the material ofthe tread strip when made viscous by heat, to iill the depressions in the read face of the mold member 1. The tube 36 reacts against the rims 2.0 and 2|, no other inner abutment rings being required. The current is turned on, which is `controlled thermostatically, and curing of the tread material proceeds. One of the important .features .of the invention is that the `ilanges I8 .and I9 terminate in sharp shoulders 53, against which the casing .is pressed by the internal inflation pressure, forminga seal between the molding chamber and .the side wall. This .prevents exudation of the tread strip material while fluid, .produces a clean line of demarcation between the recap and side wall,

and avoids thenecessity of trimming off irregu-i larfringes of tread material from theside wall. The ination pressure forces the beads against the conical 1flanges 24 of the rims or wheels 2U and 2|, thereby centering the beads, .preventing distortion of the casing so that it is maintained in truly circular form during the molding `operation.

LWhen the curing process is completed, the molded ridges on the tread .face of the casing interdigitate with the ridges on the tread face of the mold member 1. To `eject the casing, the clamping nut, clamping member, and bolts 3-3 are removed, the tube 36 deflated, and the iiange I9 removed. The sleeve 22 is then screwed to separate the beads of the casing. This reduces the diameter of the casing and also forces the lower side wall against the platform 3 and thereby lifts the outer mold member matrix from the platform 3. When the diameter of the casing is reduced to the pointat which the tread ridges of the casing disengage from the tread ridges of the mold, the outer matrix dropsto the platform 3, .indicating that the .casing is released. The :center post may now betaken out and the casing removed from the mold,

It is noted from .Figures 2,3 and 7, that the tread face of the mold member 'l is transversely flat, that is to say,:uncurved. This makes a recap of optimum shape from the standpoint of wear. .It also enables the samemold member .to

recap casings of 'different tread width. This is done merely by substituting for the plain removable upper flange I9, a wider ilange 54, Figure 7, providing an additional ridge 8' and an additional adjacent groove. When the larger casing is supported by the lower flange I8, its median diametrical plane is automatically positioned, when the flange 54 is clamped down, coincident with the median plane of the molding chamber, so that the tread face will be symmetrically molded with respect to the median diametrical plane of the casing.

Insofar a-s applicant is aware, present recapping apparatus is made in such a Way that one base will accommodate only a single mold matrix. This is for the reason that the conventional tire spreading apparatus operates against the upper bead of the tire in an upward direction so that the matrix has to be secured to the base to hold it down. In the present invention, since the tire spreading means acts simultaneously in opposite directions against both beads, there is no tendency to pull the mold matrix consequently, it rests freely upon the base, as previously described. This makes it possible to expedite Work, as well as to minimize investment, by providing several matrices for different sizes of casing, for a single base. While one tire is being recapped, another matrix may be made ready by being plugged into a socket and preheated. Then when the first casing is cured, the first matrix may be replaced by the preheated matrix, freely supported upon the same base. Since by far the largest market for tire recapping apparatus is the small filling station which does not have sufiicient room to accommodate numerous bases with matrices attached, this is quite an important feature from the sales standpoint, as well as operating efficiency.

While I have in the above description disclosed what I believe to be a preferred and practical embodiment of the invention, it Will be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific details of construction and arrangement of parts are by way of example and not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In tire recapping apparatus of that type wherein the casing with uncured tread strip attached is inserted into an annular tread molding matrix having an internal diameter less than that of the casing with tread strip, a casing spreader for reducing the diameter of the casing comprising a pair of rims each having an axial bore, arranged coaxially, each having a bead engaging flange for insertion within the bead opening and a bead retaining flange to remain outside the bead, an end thrust bearing about the axial bore -of one of said rims, the wall of the axial bore Iof the other being threaded, and a threaded shaft thrusting against said bearing and screwable in said threaded bore for separating said rims.

2. A casing spreader as claimed in claim ll, said shaft being hollow to provide for the insertion of a center post therethrough.

3. A casing spreader as claimed in claim 1, said shaft being hollow for the insertio-n of a center post therethrough, and means for locking said rims in end to end abutment.

4. In tire casing recapping apparatus, means for confining a casing with enclosed inflating tube, for the moldingV operation, comprising an outer annular mold member and an inner coaxial abutment member against which the inflation 8 pressure reacts, the interior diameter of said mold member being less than the normal outside diameter of the casing with attached tread strip, said abutment member comprising a pair of c0- axial rims, means for locking said rims in endwise engagement, said rims having adjacent flanges slightly larger in diameter than the bead openings of the casing adapted to be forced through opposite bead openings to the inside ofthe casing, and having additional flanges remote from said rst named flanges and larger in diameter than said bead openings, adapted to remain outside the casing and to restrain the spreading of the side walls under inflation pressure when said rims are locked together, and means for separating said rims axially when unlocked, to spread the beads and thereby reduce the diameter of said casing to permit its insertion or ejection with respect to said mold member.

5. In tire recapping apparatus of that type wherein the casing with uncured 'tread strip attached is inserted into an annular tread molding matrix, a casing spreader for reducing the diameter of the casing comprising a pair of rims each having an axial bore, arranged coaxially, each having a bead engaging flange for insertion within the lbead opening and a bead retaining ange to remain outside the bead, an end thrust bearing about the axial bore of one of said rims, the wall olf the axial bore of the other being threaded, and a threaded shaft thrusting against said bearing andscrewable in said threaded bore for separating said rims.

6. Tire casing recapping apparatus comprising a liftable recap molding matrix unit including a metallic annular tread face molding having spaced inwardly extending upper and lower metallic flanges, defining therewith a metal walled molding chamber, andhaving non-heat conductive spaced outwardly extending flanges defining therewith a chamber for an electrical heating element, an electrical heating element within the last named .chamber arranged about said tread face molding member in close proximity thereto,

= an annular shell forming a closure for said last named chamber secured to Said non-heat conducting flanges, out of metallicl contact with said tread face molding member, a fixed support for said matrix unit engagea-ble with said tread face molding member, and lifting elements contacting the lower non-heat conductive flange.

7. A device for spreading the beads of a tire casing comprising a pair of wheel members each having a rim and hub, a radially extending flange on the rim of each wheel to engage under the beads of a tire casing, the hub of one wheel having a concave bearing surface on one side thereof, the hub of the other wheel having a threaded bore, an externally threaded member engaging said threaded bore and having one end seated in said bearing surface, and means for rotating the threaded member to vary the distance between the wheels.

8. A device for spreading the .beads of a tire casing comprising a pair of Wheel members each having a rim and hub, the perimetral surface of said rim being conical, a radially extending flange adjacent the large diameter of the rim of each wheel to engage under the beads of a tire casing, the hub of one wheel having a concave bearing surface on one side thereof, the hub of the other wheel having a threaded bore, an externally threaded member engaging said threaded bore and having one end seated in said bearing surface, and means for rotating the threaded member to vary the distance between. the wheels.

9. A device for spreading the beads of a tire casing comprising a pair of wheel members earch having a rim and hub, a radially extending flange on the rim of each wheel to engage under the beads of a tire casing, the hub of one wheel having a concave bearing surface on one side thereof, the hub of the other wheel having a threaded bore, an externally threaded sleeve member engaging said threaded bore and having one end seated in said bearing surface, and means for rotating the threaded sleeve member to vary the distance between the wheels.

10. In apparatus for retreading worn tirecasings, the combination of an annular mold having interiorly thereof a tread-forming matrix, means for heating the matrix to vulcanize the new tread on a casing, a pair of annular pillow blocks arranged to engage the opposite sides of the mold to form a cavity therewith, means for causing the pillow blocks to converge and engage the side walls off a tire to deform the same and force the tread surface against the matrix of the mold when the pillow blocks engage the latter and to diverge to release the same, a shaft mounted axially of the matrix, a pair of members arranged to float in unison axially on said shaft and provided with perimetral portions arranged to engage the beads of a tire from within, an-d means for causing said members to diverge to spread the tire and reduce its outside diameter for the introduction of the tire into the mold yor its removal therefrom, and to converge to permit the tire to be expanded radially within the mold.

11. In apparatus for retreading worn tire-casings, the combination with a annular mold assembly of a unitary structure comprising a pair of superposed annular supports, a pair of opposed annular pillow blocks, respectively carried by the upper perimetral edge of the lower support and the lower perimetral edge of the upper support and arranged to engage the mold assembly from below and above, a shaft extending axially of said.

supports connecting the latter, means for causing said supports to converge on said shaft, an exteriorly threaded sleeve rotatably mounted and slidable vertically on said shaft, a pair of opposed upper and lower tire-spreading members held in position on said shaft by their contact with the side walls of the tire-casing from within, one of said members being threaded on the sleeve and the other of said members rotatably supporting the lower end of the sleeve, and means to rotate the sleeve to cause said members to converge and to diverge.

12. The structure of claim 11, characterized in that the axial center of the lower of said tireengaging members is provided with a bearing in which the end of the sleeve is stepped.

13. The method of centering a tire casing in the matrix of a mold preparatory to vulcanizing a, new tread on the casing, which comprises the steps of spreading apart the beads of the casing to reduce the outside diameter of the latter, supporting the diametrically reduced casing on a stationary support coaxially of the mold, and then while holding the casing stationary, moving the mold in an axial direction to bring the plane of the mold which is normal to its axis into coincidence with the like plane of the casing and accurately center the matrix and the casing with each other.

14. In tire recapping apparatus of that type wherein the casing with uncured tread strip attached is inserted into an annular tread molding matrix having an internal diameter less than that of the casing with attached uncured tread strip, means for supporting the matrix and the lower side wall of the casing while the tread strip is being molded, means for spreading the side Walls ofthe casing axially to permit insertion of the casing into the matrix, and means for holding said matrix elevated with respect to said supporting means to permit insertion of the casing with spread side Walls until the medial diametrical plane of said casing coincides with the medial diametrical plane of said matrix, without said insertion being impeded by contact of said spread lower side wall with said support.

15. In apparatus for retreading tire casings, the combination with an annular mold having internally thereof a tread forming matrix and means for heating the matrix to vulcanize a new tread on the casing, of a pair of annular members engaging the opposite side walls of a tire and the mold to form a cavity with the matrix, a shaft extending axially of the cavity xed with respect to one of said side wall engaging members, means movably carried by said shaft and engageable with the other of said wall engaging members to cause said side wall engaging members t0 converge to deform the walls and increase the diameter of the tread surface of the tire, opposed members arranged to engage the beads of the tire from within and to be moved coaxially with the matrix, means mounted on said shaft to cause said opposed members to diverge and spread the beads to reduce the diameter of the tire so as to permit its introduction into or its removal from the mold, and to converge to permit the tire to expand radially in the mold.

' JAMES W. NlAPIER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,147,339 Glynn Feb. 14, 1939 2,155,906 Rihn et al Apr. 25, 1939 2,184,119 Glynn Dec. 19, 1939 2,272,231 Voth Feb, 10, 1942 2,371,238 Heintz Mar. 13, 1945 2,422,788 Kraft June 24, 1947 

